MLB's real challenge: Drumming up more passion at the stadium

PNC Park is located in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania and is home to the Pittsburg Pirates. The stadiums nickname is “The Park”. PNC Financial Services purchased the naming rights in 1998 until the year 2020. PNC Park has the seating capacity of 38,362 and features a Tuckahoe Bluegrass - natural grass playing surface.
Plans for a new stadium for the Pirates began in 1991 but did not come about until 1996. A task force was put together to study the challenges and logistics of building a new ballpark. The site was recommended for its potential to develop the area surrounding the site, the cost and it had a good view of Pittsburg skyline that could be incorporated into the stadiums design. In 1998 funds were allotted for the new stadium to be built. Ground was broken in April, 1999 and the stadium was finished just two years later in March, 2001. The Pirates made a deal with the City of Pittsburg shortly after the plans for the stadium were approved to remain in Pittsburg until at least 2031.
Fans of the Pirates wanted the stadium named after Roberto Clemente, former player. However, when PNC Financial purchased the naming rights they set the name to PNC Park. The City of Pittsburg, renamed Sixth Street Bridge near the site to Roberto Clemente Bridge as a compromise to the fans.